The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed its Health Emergency Response Teams (HERTs) along major highways, including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), to respond to medical emergencies as thousands of travelers are expected to return to their provinces ahead of the May 12 national and local elections.

The agency said the deployment is part of preparations to ensure the safety of the public during the anticipated surge of commuters during the election period.


Health Secretary Ted Herbosa personally inspected the health posts along expressways and reminded the public to be cautious while on the road.


“Ngayong halalan, maging ligtas at mahinahon tayo sa daan, siguraduhing nasa tamang kalagayan ang sarili at ang sasakyan bago bumiyahe. Sakaling magkaroon ng medical emergency, handang umaksyon ang DOH na naka-toka sa mga health posts ng expressways o pwede ring tumawag ang publiko sa Emergency 911 o kaya sa DOH Hotline 1555 press 2 (This election season, let us stay safe and calm on the road. Make sure you and your vehicle are in good condition before traveling. In case of a medical emergency, the DOH teams stationed at health posts along expressways are ready to respond. The public may also call Emergency 911 or the DOH Hotline 1555, then press 2),” he said in a statement.

Among the teams on standby at various health posts along NLEX are emergency responders from East Avenue Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Batangas General Hospital, Joni Villanueva General Hospital, and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital.


For SLEX, the health posts are manned by personnel from Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and the Philippine Heart Center.


On election day itself, the health department said it would also set up health posts in voting centers. 


Medical teams will be on-site to provide first aid and basic medical services to voters and government personnel deployed on the ground, it added.


The DOH had earlier announced that all its hospitals will be on Code White Alert from May 11 to May 14, meaning all Centers for Health Development, DOH-run medical centers, and other health facilities are on standby to handle any election-related medical needs. 


The agency’s Operations Centers (OPCENs) will continue coordinating with regional and central DOH command centers to ensure a swift response.